It’s BBQ time in Tennessee: Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is May 12-14, 2016 and I can already smell the smoke in the air! While the Memphis Grizzlies are done grit grinding for the season, my team Uncle Murle’s BBQ R-037 is hard at work getting the rig cleaned & loaded, flooring installed, and tent built. BBQ Fest is a lot of hard work for teams, but the payoff is a week of great food, fun and new friends.

If you’re new to Memphis, BBQ fest or just visiting for the week: Visit the new Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid or enjoy a meal at a Downtown BBQ joint like Central BBQ or The Rendezvous so you don’t arrive at the festival too hungry. Get to the park early, walk around, say hello and meet the teams. Many teams are sponsored by local businesses that want you as a customer.

Here’s my guide to enjoying BBQ fest:

Check out the Entertainment schedule: Miss Piggy Idol contest on Thursday night with bands each night too on the Cattleman’s BBQ Main Stage.

Free Admission at Lunchtime: 11am to 1pm on Thursday and Friday, this is a good time to walk around and meet people. Avoid Saturday daytime judging hours: 11am to 4pm. General Admission Tickets are $9 and $27 for a 3 day pass plus $5 processing fee or $10 at the Beale Street and South Bluff entrances ONLY (not the middle Bluff gate.)

Sign up for the Kingsford Tour of Champions & Cooker’s Caravan: 2-4pm and 4-6pm slots on both Thursday and Friday, you get to be an on-site judge of six teams.

Park closing at Midnight on Thursday and Friday, 10pm on Saturday: Anyone without a 24-Hour wristband will be tossed out.

Check out the Downtown Parking Map: there is no event parking. Get a MATA Trolley pass, use promo code uber901law for free ride up to $20 or get a taxi: Cheaper than a DUI.

MPD will be trolling, mornings at 201 Poplar are full of people who had too much fun at BBQ Fest. Be safe and have fun, but don’t get too crazy. Don’t be the like the swimmers… but… you have rights. Know them. [INFOGRAPHIC]